Semiconductor Device with Discrete Blocks

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device and a method of manufacture are provided. In particular, a semiconductor device using blocks, e.g., discrete connection blocks, having through vias and/or integrated passive devices formed therein are provided. Embodiments such as those disclosed herein may be utilized in PoP applications. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a die and a connection block encased in a molding compound. Interconnection layers may be formed on surfaces of the die, the connection block and the molding compound. One or more dies and/or packages may be attached to the interconnection layers.

BACKGROUND

Since the invention of integrated circuits, the semiconductor industry has experienced continuous rapid growth due to constant improvements in the integration density of various electronic components (i.e., transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc.). For the most part, this improvement in integration density has come from repeated reductions in the minimum feature size, allowing more components to be integrated into a given chip area. These integration improvements are essentially two-dimensional (2D) in nature, in that the volume occupied by the integrated components is essentially on the surface of the semiconductor wafer. Although dramatic improvements in lithography have resulted in considerable improvements in 2D integrated circuit formation, there are physical limitations to the density that can be achieved in two dimensions. One of these limitations is the minimum size needed to make these components. Also, when more devices are put into one chip, more complex designs are required.

One packaging technique that has been developed is Package-on-Package (PoP). As the name implies, PoP is a semiconductor packaging innovation that involves stacking one package on top of another package. For example, a PoP device may combine vertically discrete memory and logic ball grid array (BGA) packages. In PoP package designs, the top package may be interconnected to the bottom package through peripheral solder balls, wire bonding, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1 c depict cross-sectional and plan views of an embodiment;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c depict an enlarged cross-sectional view of a block in accordance with embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment involving a PoP device; and

FIGS. 4 a-4 i depict a process flow for the construction of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and using of embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosed subject matter, and do not limit the scope of the different embodiments.

Embodiments will be described with respect to a specific context, namely a Package-on-Package (PoP) structure with integrated passive devices (IPDs). Specific embodiments will highlight the use of discrete blocks, such as discrete silicon or SiO₂ blocks, encased within a molding compound. The discrete blocks may be used to form IPDs, through vias (TVs) (e.g., through-silicon vias (TSVs), and/or the like, to provide electrical connections in PoP applications. Other embodiments may be used in other applications, such as with interposers, packaging substrates, or the like.

FIG. 1 a depicts a cross-sectional view of a first package 10 in accordance with an embodiment. The first package 10 comprises a first interconnect layer 11 having one or more dies (one die 12 being shown) coupled thereto. The first interconnect layer 11 may comprise one or more layers of dielectric material 16 with conductive features (illustrated as conductive features 15) formed therein. In an embodiment, the layers of dielectric material 16 are formed of a photo-sensitive material such as polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), or the like, which may be easily patterned using a lithography mask similar to a photo resist. In alternative embodiments, the layers of dielectric material 16 may be formed of a nitride such as silicon nitride, an oxide such as silicon oxide, phosphosilicate glass (PSG), borosilicate glass (BSG), boron-doped phosphosilicate glass (BPSG), or the like. In an alternative embodiment the first interconnect layer 11 may comprise an interposer or packaging substrate, such as a silicon interposer, organic substrate, a laminate substrate (e.g., a 1-2-1 laminate substrate), or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 1 a, the first interconnect layer 11 provides electrical connections between opposing sides and may act as a redistribution layer (RDL). A first set of external contact pads 17 provide an external electrical connection using, for example, solder balls 19.

The die 12 is laterally encased in a material layer, such as a molding compound 14, which may have one or more connection blocks 20 positioned therein. As illustrated in FIG. 1 a, the connections blocks 20 are aligned along a major axis of the die 12, and the molding compound 14 is interposed between the die 12 and the connection blocks 20. The connection blocks 20 may include, for example, through vias (TVs) and/or integrated passive devices (IPDs). Generally, as described in greater detail below, the connection blocks 20 provide a structural material that allows a higher density of structures, such as TVs and/or IPDs, to be formed therein. In an embodiment, the connection blocks 20 comprise silicon, silicon dioxide, glass, and/or the like.

Over the die 12, molding compound 14, and the connection blocks 20 may be a second interconnect layer 13. The second interconnect layer 13 may comprise one or more layers of dielectric material 18 with conductive features (illustrated as conductive features 9) formed therein. In an embodiment, the layers of dielectric material 18 are formed of a photo-sensitive material such as polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), or the like, which may be easily patterned using a lithography mask similar to a photo resist. In alternative embodiments, the layers of dielectric material 18 may be formed of a nitride such as silicon nitride, an oxide such as silicon oxide, phosphosilicate glass (PSG), borosilicate glass (BSG), boron-doped phosphosilicate glass (BPSG), or the like. In an alternative embodiment the second interconnect layer 13 may comprise an interposer or packaging substrate, such as a silicon interposer, organic substrate, a laminate substrate (e.g., a 1-2-1 laminate substrate), or the like. Additionally, the second interconnect layer 13 may include a set of second external contacts 7 (provided through conductive features 9) for connection to another device, such as a die, a stack of dies, a package, an interposer, and/or the like. The another device may connect via solder bumps/balls, wire bonding, or the like through the second external contacts 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 a, and discussed in greater detail below, electrical components may be electrically coupled to the upper surface of the second interconnect layer 13. The second interconnect layer 13 (via the conductive features 9), which may act as a RDL, provides electrical connections between those electrical components and the TVs/IPDs positioned within the connection blocks 20. The first interconnect layer 11 in turn provides an electrical connection between the connection blocks 20 and the die 12 and/or the first set of external contact pads 17, as well as providing an electrical connection between the die 12 and the first set of external contact pads 17. Solder balls 19, which may be part of, for example, a ball grid array (BGA), may be attached to another substrate, such as a wafer, packaging substrate, PCB, die, or the like.

Embodiments such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 a comprise connection blocks 20 that may allow structures such as the through vias and IPDs to be formed in a different type of material than the molding compound 14, thereby providing different performance characteristics. The connection blocks 20 may comprise one or more TVs, e.g., through-silicon vias (TSVs), connecting the second interconnect layer 13 to the first interconnect layer 11. In addition, the connection blocks 20 may comprise one or more integrated passive devices (IPDs), such as integrated capacitors, integrated resistors, or the like. In the case of the TVs and the IPDs, the use of a silicon block allows the vias and devices to be placed closer together. That is to say, the fineness of the pitch of the TVs and the IPDs is increased, allowing greater density of via and passive device integration. In another embodiment the block 20 may comprise silicon dioxide (SiO₂) which provides similar improvements to that of silicon. For example, by using silicon or silicon oxide a pitch of the TVs may be reduced down to about 60 μm from a pitch through molding compound which would be greater than 100 μm.

FIG. 1B illustrates a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 a. As illustrated, a single die 12 is located between two connection blocks 20. Additionally, the molding compound 14 surrounds the single die 12 and the two connection blocks 20, thereby separating the die 12 from the two connection blocks 20. In such a layout the two connection blocks 20 provide additional support and routing options to the die 12 through the molding compound 14, thereby allowing more flexibility.

FIG. 1C illustrates a plan view of another embodiment in which a single die 12 is utilized along with a single connection block 20. In this embodiment the die 12 and the connection block 20 are aligned with each other side by side, with the connection block 20 aligned along a single side of the die 12. Additionally, in other embodiments the connection blocks 20 may form a ring (either continuous or broken) around the die 12. Any suitable arrangement of the die 12 and the one or more connection blocks 20 may alternatively be utilized.

FIG. 2 a depicts an embodiment of the connection block 20. The connection block 20 comprises a structural material 21, such as silicon, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), or the like. Holes in the structural material 21 form one or more TVs 24 and one or more integrated passive devices (IPDs) 22, such as a trench capacitor as illustrated in FIG. 2. The TVs 24 are filled with a conductive material 25, such as a metal, to provide contacts from a first side of the block 20 to a second side of the block 20. In an embodiment in which the IPD 22 comprises a capacitor or a resistor, the IPD 22 may be lined separately with conductive material 25 and filled with a filler material 23. The filler material 23 comprises either a dielectric to form an integrated capacitor or a resistive material to form an integrated resistor. The TVs 24 and the IPDs 22 may include other components, such as adhesion layers, barrier layers, or the like, and may include multiple layers.

FIGS. 2 b-2 c illustrate that, in another embodiment the IPD 22 comprises an inductor 29. FIG. 2 b illustrates one embodiment in which the inductor 29 is formed in a metallization layer 27 on a single side of the connection block 20. The metallization layer 27 may be formed on the connection block 20 either facing the first interconnect layer 11 or facing away from the first interconnect layer 11. The inductor 29 may be formed within the first metallization layer 27 using suitable photolithographic, deposition, and polishing processes such as damascene processes.

FIG. 2 c illustrates an alternative embodiment in which, rather than being formed in a single metallization layer 27 on one side of the connection block 20, the inductor 29 may be formed through the connection block 20. For example, TVs may be formed within the connection block 20 in order to provide vertical sections of the inductor 29, while the vertical sections of the inductor 29 may be connected with each other by forming connections in the metallization layers 27 located on both sides of the connection block 20.

In an embodiment in which the connection blocks 20 are formed of silicon, any suitable semiconductor processing techniques may be used to form the connection blocks 20. For example, photolithography techniques may be utilized to form and pattern a mask to etch vias and trenches in the silicon in accordance with a desired pattern. The trenches may be filled with the appropriate conductive, dielectric, and/or resistive materials using suitable techniques, including chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, electro-plating, and/or the like. Thinning techniques may be utilized to perform wafer thinning to expose the TVs along a backside. Thereafter, a singulation process may be performed to form the connection blocks 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The connection blocks 20 may be of any shape, such as square, rectangular, the like. Additionally, one or more connection blocks 20 may be utilized. For example, in an embodiment, a single connection block 20 is utilized, whereas in other embodiments, multiple connection blocks 20 may be utilized. The connection blocks 20 may extend alongside one or more sides of the die 12, and may form a ring (continuous or broken) around the die 12.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a package on package (PoP) device 30. As will be more fully explained below, the PoP device 30 provides an innovative package-on-package structure with integrated, or built-in, passive devices incorporated into the connection blocks 20. As such, the PoP device 30 offers improved electrical performance and a higher operation frequency relative to a standard PoP device. Additionally, the decreased pitch of the TVs and the IPDs in the block 20 allow increased integration density. As shown in FIG. 3, the PoP device 30 generally includes a second package 32 coupled to the first package 10 through solder balls 36 connected to solder ball lands 37 in, for example, a BGA arrangement. However, the first and second package can be connected through other means such as via solder bumps, wire bonding, or the like.

In an embodiment, the second package 32 includes several stacked memory chips 31. The memory chips 31 may be electrically coupled to each other through, for example, through vias, wire bonds, or the like, represented in FIG. 2 by reference numeral 35. While several memory chips 31 are depicted in FIG. 3, in an embodiment the second package 32 may include a single memory chip 31. The second package 32 may also incorporate other chips, dies, packages, or electronic circuitry depending on the intended use or performance needs of the PoP device 30.

As described above, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 3 the first interconnect layer 11 comprises at least one layer of dielectric material 16. In an alternative embodiment the first interconnect layer 11 may be replaced by a suitable semiconductor material such as silicon. If silicon is used as a substrate in place of the dielectric material 16, a passivation layer and a molding layer may be included between the silicon and the solder balls 19 of the BGA. These additional layers may be omitted when, e.g., the interconnect layer is formed from a dielectric material 16.

The first package 10 also includes a molding compound 14 encasing the die 12 and the connection blocks 20. The molding compound 14 may be formed from a variety of suitable molding compounds. As depicted in FIG. 2, the connection block 20 provides the IPDs as well as the TVs for the interconnection between the first package 10 and the second package 32. As noted above, the solder bump lands 37 are employed to mount the second package 32 and provide electrical connection through the conductive features 9, embedded or supported by the second interconnect layer 13, to the TVs or IPDs in the connection block 20 that is encased in the molding compound 14.

FIGS. 4 a-4 j depict various intermediate stages in a method for forming an embodiment. Referring first to FIG. 4 a, a first carrier 41, e.g., a glass carrier, with a release film coating 46 formed thereon is shown. In FIG. 4 b, connection blocks 20 and a die 12 are attached to the first carrier 41 on surface with the release film coating 46. The release film coating 46 may comprise an adhesive film ultra-violet (UV) glue, or may be formed of other known adhesive materials. In an embodiment, the release film coating 46 is dispensed in a liquid form onto the first carrier 41. In alternative embodiments, the release film coating 46 is pre-attached onto the back surfaces of die 12 and the connection blocks 20, which are then attached to the first carrier 41.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 b, the connection blocks 20 may be formed separately and placed on the first carrier 41. In this embodiment, the connection blocks 20 may be formed from a wafer, e.g., a silicon wafer, using any suitable semiconductor processing techniques, such as photolithography, deposition, etching, grinding, polishing, and/or the like, to form the through vias, IPDs, and/or the like for a particular application. The connection blocks may be separated from the wafer and placed as, for example, shown in FIG. 4 b.

FIG. 4 c illustrates the molding compound 14 disposed encasing the die 12 and the connection blocks 20. In an embodiment, the molding compound 14 comprises a molding compound formed on the structures shown through compression molding, for example. In another embodiment, a polymer-comprising material, such as a photo-sensitive material such as PBO, polyimide, BCB, or the like, may be used. The molding compound 14 may be applied in a liquid form, which is dispensed and then cured. A top surface of the molding compound 14 is higher than the top surfaces of the die 12 and the connection blocks 20.

Shown in FIG. 4 d, a wafer thinning process comprising a grinding and/or polishing is performed to planarize the top surface. The thinning process reduces and may substantially eliminate any unevenness in the top surface. The molding compound 14 comprising portions covering top surfaces of die 12 and connection blocks 20 is removed by the thinning, thereby exposing the TVs and/or the IPDs formed within the connection blocks 20.

In FIG. 4 e, the first interconnect layer 11 is formed over molding compound 14, connection blocks 20, and die 12. In an embodiment the first interconnect layer 11 comprises alternating layers of dielectric material 16 with layers of conductive features 15 to comprise a RDL. The bottom surface of the first interconnect layer 11 may be in contact with the top surface of the die 12, the connection blocks 20, and the molding compound 14. The dielectric material 16 may comprise many different types of materials as described earlier in reference to FIG. 1 a. The conductive features 15 comprising a RDL may include lower portions whose bottoms are electrically coupled to the through vias 24 and IPDs 22 in the connection blocks 20 as shown in FIG. 2. The RDL with conductive features 15 may also include top regions with external contact pads 17.

In accordance with some embodiments, the formation of the first interconnect layer 11 may include forming a dielectric material, etching and removing portions of the dielectric material, forming an under-bump-metallurgy (UBM, not shown) over the dielectric material, forming and patterning a photo resist (not shown) to cover portions of the UBM, and plating a metallic material to form the first set of external contact pads 17. The exposed portions of the UBM are then removed. The first set of external contact pads 17 may be formed of copper, aluminum, tungsten, or the like.

FIG. 4 f shows a second carrier 42 with a release film coating 46 attached to the top side of the first interconnect layer 11. The release film coating 46 of the second carrier 42 may be similar to the release film coating 46 of the first carrier 41. The wafer is then flipped over.

In FIG. 4 g, the first carrier 41 is de-bonded, for example, by exposing release film coating 46 to a UV light, causing it to lose its adhesive property. The release film coating 46 is also removed. An optional backside thinning process may be performed to thin and planarize the surface of the wafer, possibly to expose through vias formed in the die 12.

FIG. 4 h depicts the second interconnect layer 13 formed over the die 12 and connection blocks 20. The second interconnect layer 13 may be constructed of dielectric materials 18 similar to dielectric materials 16 as described in reference to FIG. 1 a. The second interconnect layer 13 may be formed in a way similar to the first interconnect layer 11. The second interconnect layer 13, in an embodiment a RDL, provides interconnections between the TVs in the connection blocks 20 and the external contacts 7.

FIG. 4 i depicts a third carrier 43 attached to the backside of the wafer. The second carrier 42 is removed in a fashion similar to the first carrier 41. Solder balls 19 may be placed along the top side of the wafer forming a BGA in contact with the first set of external contact pads 17 as shown in FIG. 1 a.

Finally, FIG. 4 j depicts removal of the third carrier 43 in a fashion similar to the first and second carriers 41/42. Optionally, dicing tape 44 is then adhered to a surface of the second interconnect layer 13. In some embodiments, multiple PoPs may be formed simultaneously. In these embodiments, dicing tape 44 may be applied and a dicing process performed along lines 45 to separate a structure into a plurality of packages, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 a. In an embodiment each of the resulting structures include a die 12 and connection blocks 20 encased laterally in molding compound 14. The resulting packages may then be bonded to other packaging components such as package substrates or a PCB through solder balls 19 or through additional solder balls/bumps attached to the opposite side of the die with second set of external contacts 7, such as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In an embodiment, a semiconductor device having a die, a first material, and a second material is provided. The second material and the first material are positioned along a major axis of the die. The first material comprises one or more conductive features extending through the first material.

In another embodiment, a semiconductor device comprising a top package and a bottom package is provided. The bottom package comprises a die and a connection block separated from the die by a molding compound.

In yet another embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises providing a die and a connection block having one or more conductive elements. A layer comprising the die and the connection block separated by a material layer, wherein the connection block is formed of a material different from the material layer, is formed.

Although the present embodiments and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor device comprising: a die having electrical contacts; a first material; and a second material interposed between the die and the first material, the second material and the first material being positioned along a major axis of the die, the first material comprising one or more conductive features extending through the first material.
 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first material is silicon.
 3. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first material is silicon dioxide.
 4. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the one or more conductive features comprises at least one through via.
 5. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the one or more conductive features comprises at least one integrated passive device.
 6. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a first interconnect layer extending over a first side of the die and the first material.
 7. The semiconductor device of claim 6, further comprising a second interconnect layer extending over a second side of the die and the first material.
 8. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a packaged die over the die, the packaged die being electrically coupled to the one or more conductive features extending through the first material.
 9. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the one or more conductive features comprises a plurality of integrated passive devices is electrically connected together.
 10. A semiconductor device comprising: a top package; and a bottom package operably coupled to the top package, the bottom package comprising a die and a connection block separated from the die by a molding compound.
 11. The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the connection block comprises silicon.
 12. The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the connection block comprises silicon dioxide.
 13. The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the connection block comprises a plurality of through vias.
 14. The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the connection block comprises a plurality of integrated passive devices.
 15. A method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising: providing a die; providing a connection block having one or more conductive elements; and forming a layer comprising the die and the connection block separated by a material layer, the connection block being formed of a material different from the material layer.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more conductive elements comprises one or more through vias.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more conductive elements comprise one or more integrated passive devices.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the layer comprises a molding compound.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming a first interconnect layer over a first side of the die and the connection block.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising forming a first interconnect layer over a first side of the die and the connection block. 